Donna Ruth Smith

Mrs. Donna Ruth Smith, 73, died Monday, September 8, 2025, at Oxford Health and Rehab in Oxford, MS. The service will be held Friday, September 12, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with the Rev. Lee Emmett Foster officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 12:00 P.M. Burial will follow the service at Pine Flat Cemetery.

Born on May 14, 1952, to the late Emmett Newton and Jimmie Lou James in Oxford, MS, Mrs. Smith was the widow of Johnny Rayford Smith. She was a faithful member of Bay Springs Baptist Church and retired from the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy where she was a long-time secretary. Known by all as a kind and generous person, she loved opening her home to family and friends whether for a wonderful meal, hosting parties, and showers of all kinds. She loved to learn new things including crocheting, pottery, and jewelry making. These turned into beautiful gifts she would share with loved ones. Donna was never bored, listening to all genres of music and reading books across every category- her music and book library was most impressive.

Donna will be greatly missed by her daughter, Cynthia Nicole “Cindy” Smith of Oxford, MS; her son, John Randle Smith of Oxford, MS; her sister, Joan Foster of Oxford, MS; brother, Harold W. James of Oxford, MS; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Smith’s memory to Shriner’s Hospital for Children: donate.lovetotherescue.org.